Crew joining in Panama - Proof of Exit

[bnz]

Hi,

First off, I tried the search but failed to find anything related to my question so sorry if this is a regular post topic.

We are flying into Panama in April to crew on a friends yacht across to Marquesas. One of the requirements of entry to Panama is proof of onward travel out of the country.

How have others handled this? Is there anything we can get our friends to provide us in regards to the boat documentation? We are flying into Panama from LAX if that matters.

Thanks!
Brendan

[boatman61]

Normally a letter from the skipper stating you are joining sailing vessel Iamoutahere at marina XYZ departing Panama in February for the Marquesas signed by the skipper/owner is adequate.

[belizesailor]

If flying in, the Panamanian officials typically dont ask for anything (if by land...you usually get the full drill).

However, the airline will almost certainly ask before they board the flight to Panama because the airline gets stuck with repatriating them if denied entry and a fine I think.

Depending on airline/staff they draw they may accept sailing as crew, Ive had them just take me on my word before and not, but what they often want is proof in the form of a commercial travel reservation.

What I suggest is draft a letter for them stating they are sailing as crew (vessel specifics, etc, maybe a color copy of the ships document to make it look all official) have your crew get the airport VERY early and check in with the letter. If its not accepted then they have time to make a quick reservation to somewhere. Make the reservation via Expedia (they have a 24 hour no penalty cancelation policy) then cancel it after arriving Panama. The airline will accept a view of the reservation online (they also know people do this...they dont care as they are just covering their ass not yours...Ive had airline staff wait while I made the bogus reservation, even had another airline print out a bogus reservation for me once).

[Eleuthera 2014]

The subject is dealt with differently by every country.

For instance, the ADMIRAL had to buy an outbound ticket from Tonga to be allowed aboard a Singapore airline flight leaving London... the problem might be in their internal regulations ... and misunderstanding the "yacht in Transit" concept.

Ask your airline because they have a stake in this; they must repatriate you if refused entry!

[bnz]

Thanks all. We have confirmed that we can get a letter from the skipper in advance, and I will also prepare some refundable flight options with an early check-in as a back up.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by bnz

Thanks all. We have confirmed that we can get a letter from the skipper in advance, and I will also prepare some refundable flight options with an early check-in as a back up.

If the boat has a boat stamp, have the skipper stamp the letter with it over his signature. Always looks more official.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Paul L

If the boat has a boat stamp, have the skipper stamp the letter with it over his signature. Always looks more official.

Yes, all Central American officials love stamps! The fancier the better.

[stormalong]

Also get a copy of the boat's entry documents into Panama. These days doing this is easy and the more supporting paperwork you have the better off you are.

[waterwesty]

Originally Posted by Paul L

If the boat has a boat stamp, have the skipper stamp the letter with it over his signature. Always looks more official.

This. If the vessel is documented it should have some sort of way to issue official documents from thr vessel

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Yes, all Central American officials love stamps! The fancier the better.

Surprisingly I've found the stamp helpful with the US passport agency too.

[bnz]

Thanks all, a stamp it is!

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by bnz

Thanks all. We have confirmed that we can get a letter from the skipper in advance, and I will also prepare some refundable flight options with an early check-in as a back up.

That's exactly right.
Make letter official with ships stamp and key words that " you accept all financial responsibility in case of a forced repatriation at crews destination.

Common issue and you may find desk clerk to be stubborn.. Asking to speak to their supervised often helps

You are right to have a financial fallback as sometimes the Airlines head office will issue a stern staff memorandum when the get a series of fines from Immigration Agencies.

I found it easier to have a fully refundable "Return" ticket, if they are leaving from their residence, since it be changed and credited more easily to their eventual flight home

[Snore]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Normally a letter from the skipper stating you are joining sailing vessel Iamoutahere at marina XYZ departing Panama in February for the Marquesas signed by the skipper/owner is adequate.

What he said.... I like to use my contract (your letter) AND a copy of any paperwork the vessel got when she came in.

[Montanan]

Do note this a dead thread, more than two years old, literally circa PC.

Pre-Covid. February 13, 2019

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Do note this a dead thread, more than two years old, literally circa PC.

Pre-Covid. February 13, 2019

Its back from the dead now!